Fig First mentioned in Gen 3:7. The fig-tree is mentioned (Deu 8:8) as one of the valuable products of Palestine. It was a sign of peace and prosperity (Kg1 4:25; Mic 4:4; Zac 3:10). Figs were used medicinally (Kg2 20:7), and pressed together and formed into "cakes" as articles of diet (Sa1 30:12; Jer 24:2). Our Lord's cursing the fig-tree near Bethany (Mar 11:13) has occasioned much perplexity from the circumstance, as mentioned by the evangelist, that "the time of figs was not yet." The explanation of the words, however, lies in the simple fact that the fruit of the fig-tree appears before the leaves, and hence that if the tree produced leaves it ought also to have had fruit. It ought to have had fruit if it had been true to its "pretensions," in showing its leaves at this particular season. "This tree, so to speak, vaunted itself to be in advance of all the other trees, challenged the passer-by that he should come and refresh himself with its fruit. Yet when the Lord accepted its challenge and drew near, it proved to be but as the others, without fruit as they; for indeed, as the evangelist observes, the time of figs had not yet arrived. Its fault, if one may use the word, lay in its pretensions, in its making a show to run before the rest when it did not so indeed" (Trench, Miracles). The fig-tree of Palestine (Ficus carica) produces two and sometimes three crops of figs in a year, (1.) the bikkurah, or "early-ripe fig" (Mic 7:1; Isa 28:4; Hos 9:10, R.V.), which is ripe about the end of June, dropping off as soon as it is ripe (Nah 3:12); (2.) the kermus, or "summer fig," then begins to be formed, and is ripe about August; and (3.) the pag (plural "green figs," Sol 2:13; Gr. olynthos , Rev 6:13, "the untimely fig"), or "winter fig," which ripens in sheltered spots in spring.

Fillets Heb. hashukum , plur., joinings (Exo 27:17; Exo 38:17, Exo 38:28), the rods by which the tops of the columns around the tabernacle court were joined together, and from which the curtains were suspended (Exo 27:10, Exo 27:11; Exo 36:38). In Jer 52:21 the rendering of a different word, hut, meaning a "thread," and designating a measuring-line of 12 cubits in length for the circumference of the copper pillars of Solomon's temple.

Fir The uniform rendering in the Authorized Version (marg. R.V., "cypress") of berosh (Sa2 6:5; Kg1 5:8, Kg1 5:10; Kg1 6:15, Kg1 6:34; Kg1 9:11, etc.), a lofty tree (Isa 55:13) growing on Lebanon (Isa 37:24). Its wood was used in making musical instruments and doors of houses, and for ceilings (Ch2 3:5), the decks of ships (Eze 27:5), floorings and spear-shafts (Nah 2:3, R.V.). The true fir (abies) is not found in Palestine, but the pine tree, of which there are four species, is common. The precise kind of tree meant by the "green fir tree" (Hos 14:8) is uncertain. Some regard it as the sherbin tree, a cypress resembling the cedar; others, the Aleppo or maritime pine (Pinus halepensis), which resembles the Scotch fir; while others think that the "stone-pine" (Pinus pinea) is probably meant. (See PINE.)

FirepanExo 27:3; Exo 38:3), one of the vessels of the temple service (rendered "snuff-dish" Exo 25:38; Exo 37:23; and "censer" Lev 10:1; Lev 16:12). It was probably a metallic cinder-basin used for the purpose of carrying live coal for burning incense, and of carrying away the snuff in trimming the lamps.

Firkin Used only in Joh 2:6; the Attic amphora, equivalent to the Hebrew bath (q.v.), a measure for liquids containing about 8 7/8 gallons.